Shell Beach - Orange Beach

Shell Beach is part of Gulf State Park in the east side of Orange Beach, Alabama. The beach is great for beach walks, shelling, snorkeling, and soaking in the Alabama Gulf Coast sun.

Shell Beach

It is a bit of a walk through the sand trail to reach Shelll Beach but so worth it! The gorgeous white sand beach stretches in both directions with easy access to the water.

During summer season beach services are set up if you would like to rent a chair and umbrella.

This is normally a slightly quieter beach than some of the other Orange Beach public beach access areas. The parking lot is smaller which helps contain the crowds a little bit.

Getting to the Beach

There is a sand path leading to Shell Beach. The sand can be super soft so you will want to be prepared when bringing things out to the beach.

We try to bring everything in one trip so we don't have to go back and forth through the soft sand trail.

Shelling

Shell Beach can be a great spot for shells especially in winter and during low tides. We suggest going early in the morning to get the best opportunity.

Shelling Tools

Shelling Set - This set has a sifter, shell scoop, shell bag, and foldable bucket

Shell bags - I like to carry a couple of different bags so I can seperate any small shells from large conch shells.

Sand Rake - Scoop shells out to make it easier to see them

Shark Tooth Sand Sifter Set - Portable beach sand sifter to look for shark teeth and shells

Why you will love Shell Beach

• Lots of space to walk the beach
• Great shells on the beach (weather and tide dependent)
• Part of Gulf State Park
• Quieter and more low-key than some of the busier Gulf State Park beach accesses
• A free beach toy exchange box for the kids

Things to know when planning a visit to Shell Beach

Address - 28282 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach

East of Perdido Pass Bridge and Alabama Point

Accessibility - Shell Beach is not accessible unless you have a beach wheelchair. It is a soft sand walk to the beach.

Plus Size Seating - Bring a comfortable beach chair

Dress Code/Suggestions - Beach casual

Pets - No pets are allowed on the beach in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach

Parking  - There is a gravel unpaved parking area for Shell Beach. Depending on the weather there may be large puddles and dips in the parking lot.

If you have a low car this may not be the beach parking lot you want to check out if we have had a ton of rain or stormy weather.

Paid parking through Gulf State Park, $15 per day for personal vehicles at the kiosk or by QR code.

Orange Beach Restaurants and Attractions nearby

Cobalt - One of the best Orange Beach waterfront restaurants, with a great fire pit, outdoor bar, and sunset views over the bay.

Caribe Cruiser - A comfortable dolphin cruise with leather bench seating, departing from the Caribe Marina.

Surfs Up Dolphin Cruise - A family-friendly dolphin cruise with guaranteed sightings, departing from Caribe Marina since 2011.

Pizza at the Pass - Epic thin crust pizza, wings, and garlic cheese bread at SanRoc Cay Marina.

The Gulf Orange Beach - Epic Gulf views paired with great food right on the water.

Additional Gulf Coast Articles

Flora-Bama Ole River Grill - An open-air deck with great food and fun, part of the Flora-Bama family.

Flora-Bama Yacht Club - Waterfront dining with fresh oysters, paddle in, boat in, or drive.

Sweet Cone Alabama - Delicious ice cream sundaes, cones, and splits, a great treat after the beach.

Best Dolphin Cruise Orange Beach & Gulf Shores - A full roundup guide comparing all the top dolphin cruise options along the coast.

Tiki Boats Orange Beach & Gulf Shores - A roundup of every tiki boat tour option in the area.

Cold Mil Dolphin Cruise - A 50-foot boat with ledge seating offering 360-degree dolphin viewing.

Southern Rose Dolphin Cruise - A guaranteed dolphin sighting cruise with indoor and outdoor seating on two levels.